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Essential Tips For Preparing For a Disaster

Being ready for a major natural disaster is never really guaranteed and done by anyone unless disaster has already struck. As we learned all too well from the many storms and hurricanes that has come our way.

Two of the most notable and, regrettably, strongest ones that has claimed too many lives are hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.

Nobody could ever fathom the power and strength of these storms and the destruction it left on the numerous towns and houses they trampled on as they passed. Emergency preparedness has never been more important in these times as ever.

Many people have realized their vulnerability in the midst of a natural disaster that's why more and more people are more cautious and have stocked up in essential emergency equipment and survival food supplies specifically for these types of situations.

Before any disaster strikes, make sure you are ready with the essentials by reading up on how to be prepared in any emergency situation like some of the tips below.

Tips in Disaster Preparedness:

Know what you are facing and stock up on food and water. There are many disasters that can come your way and there are different kinds of preparations for every type of situation but in all disasters, you need to have an emergency food storage system as well as needed water supply.

Know where you can go for emergency situations. There are designated disaster shelters in every community and it is essential to know each and every one of these locations in case your house is no longer safe for you and your family to stay in.

Learn the different modes of communication you can access in times of emergency situations. There might be power and phone interruptions when natural disasters strike so you must have a backup system of communication for your loved ones. If possible, have a portable radio or power cells around for you and your family members in case cellphones and landlines go down.

If you are away from home when disaster strikes, you must know what to do. If you are caught up in the office during a storm, know where the emergency routes and exits are and let your family know where you are right away.

Have an emergency kit always ready. For all basic necessities, you should have emergency kits stocked up for this. To give you an idea on what kits you should have, read on the following:

First Aid Kit: According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, this kit must include various medicines as well as maintenance medications for older members of the family (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Cough Suppressants, Antihistamine and Decongestants), Activated charcoal and Ipecac, Scissors, Gauze and Tape, Antibiotic ointments, Cold packs, tweezers, bandages and safety pins, Antiseptic wipes, and Hydrogen Peroxide.

Important Documents Kit/Go-to Bag: This includes originals and copies of your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if any), bank books, photos, insurance, etc. which are kept in waterproof containers. Also included is an extra set of car keys and house keys, bottled water or water purification tablets and food that are non-perishable, flashlight, first aid kit, and some cash.

Tech Kit: This would include your gadgets and electronic devices and mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and their chargers, USB cables and USB devices and back up hardrives.

Household/Tool Kit: This would include all your appliance manuals, Duct tape, Tool kit with small household tools like a hammer, screwdrivers or picks and some measuring tape, rags and buckets, WD-40, lock picking kit, etc.

Emergency Disaster Kit: Things you need in disasters or emergencies which include water, food that are ready to eat, First Aid kit, cooking and eating supplies, toiletries or hygiene items, plastic bags for garbage disposal, warm clothes, blankets and rain or snow gear, flashlights, and any other essential you would like to add.

Make preparations for your pets. It is also very important to make sure that your pets also survive. Make sure you get them food and water as well as shelter because some shelters do not allow pets. You need to stock up on your pet emergency kit as well in times of emergencies. Never leave a pet behind.

Learn a thing or two about emergency skills that might come in handy in these disastrous situations. Little things like learning how to use a fire extinguisher or knowing how to turn off your facilities like water and gas tanks can make a huge difference when used in emergency situations. Getting some proper training on CPR and first aid might save lives when faced in emergency situations so do not take these skills for granted. It is better to be over prepared than sorry.

These are only some of the many things you should consider during emergency situations which will, ultimately, help you in surviving through disasters of any sort. It is also important to know what types of preparations you should be prepared for. Consider the following information below.

Types of Survival Kits

These are the basic types of survival kits for every situation such as in the Classroom, Office, Single Person, Multi-person, and Outdoors.

Classroom- if you're a teacher and trapped in your school with your students, you should have the following

2400 calorie food bars with 5 years of shelf life

Thermal blankets

Water pouches of 4.2 oz with 5 years of shelf life

Water purification tablets-

A pair of work gloves

Sanitation bags

Tissue packs

OSHA recommended First Aid kit

AM/FM Radio (solar powered), cellphone charger/siren

12-hour light sticks

LED flashlight

Safety whistle

Medicine supply

Durable wheeled backpack

Office- if you're trapped in your office and can't get out for help, then you should have this standard 72 hour survival kit.

2400 calorie Food bar

Water pouches

Water purification tablets

Blanket for emergency

AM/FM radio

Solar Dynamo flashlight

Light stick (green)

First Aid kit

Medicine supply

Dust mask

Pair of gloves

Tissue pack

Carrying bag

Single Person- this is a standard survival kit for 1 person for 72 hours.

2400 calorie food bar

Water pouches with 5 years shelf life

Emergency blanket

Container (zip lock bag)

First Aid kit

Medicine supply

Multi-person- this is a standard survival kit for a 5-person family that is good for 72 hours.

2400 calorie food bars

Water pouches with 5 years shelf life

Water purification tablets

Emergency blankets

Emergency tent

Flashlight (solar/hand-crank powered)

AM/FM radio/USB Device charger/cellphone charger

Yellow and green light sticks

Emergency candles

Waterproof matches

OSHA First Aid kit

Potassium Iodate Pills

Safety whistle

Dust masks

Pairs of vinyl(2) and work gloves(1)

Sanitation bags/toilet bags

Tissue packs- 5, toilet chemicals

Container (5-gallon bucket)

Outdoors- if you're trapped outdoors, have no-where to go and can't return to your house, you should have the following in your possession:

Non-perishable food

Clean water- 1 gallon per day

Light sticks

Emergency blanket

AM/FM Radio

Flashlight

A pair of work gloves

First aid kit and medicine supply

Tools like a small crowbar, hammer, screwdriver, etc.

Emergency Food Prep

The number one thing to pack when disasters strike is your survival food supplies. It is the most essential and basic thing a person needs to survive and it would keep you alive until help comes. No one would really know when help arrives in times like these so it is wise to have an emergency food storage in the house and be ready for the worst.

How much food should you store and where to store them?

You should at least have food stocked up that is good for a month that could feed your family members as well as your pets if you have any. Look for a clean and dry place that you can easily reach in cases of emergency to store your food. Make sure you regularly check it for any leaks or holes that might contaminate your food. Emergency food preparation is a good way of ensuring your survival when disasters strike.

Water Storage Prep

Aside from stocking up on disaster food, water should also be included. Water will keep your body going even if you run out of food and it will give you the energy to get you out of any situation you are in during times of emergency that is why it is of great importance to always stock up on water and have an emergency water storage in and around your house just in case you are not inside when disaster strikes.

How much water should you store and where is the best place to keep it?

The amount of water to be stocked up depends on how many persons will be needing it. You should have at least 1 gallon per person that is good for three days which is a very conservative measurement given that you take it in rations. So for a family of 5, you should have at least 150 gallons of water that should be good for a month. Your water supply should be stored in a dry place that will not be contaminated easily when there is flooding.

Here are some more FAQs that you might have in certain types of situations:

What equipment should I have for emergencies?

You should have your essentials such as:

Charged cellphone for communication

Food and water

Flashlights and batteries/power cells

First aid kit

Blankets and some clothes

Fire starter kits

Gloves and small tools like hammers or picks or screwdrivers in case you get stuck in a tight space.

What equipment and supplies should I have for an Earthquake?

You should have these essentials during an earthquake or any other type of emergency situation;

Firestorms are very common in dry and hot places in the country and once it starts, it is practically unstoppable. It is very important to know what to do and what you need when caught in a firestorm. Aside from abandoning your house and getting as far away from the fire as possible, you should also take things with you as you run for shelter such as:

Fire extinguisher

Gloves and masks to cover your hands and face from the smoke and fire

Water to keep you hydrated and some snacks or non-perishable food

Sturdy boots

Moist blanket or jacket/coat to protect your from the heat and debris from the fire

First aid kit and small tools like an axe or hammer

A coil of rope in case you need to climb out of somewhere

What equipment and supplies should I have for a Water storm?

Water storms bring in flooding and with it comes debris and dirt as well. This is a very dangerous combination. Like what happened in hurricane Katrina, the storm surge that the storm produced caused the tremendous collapse of many house and buildings which were also flooded with mud and dirt. This was the reason why many lives were taken, storm surges are very dangerous and deadly and cannot be stopped.

When caught in a water storm, the important thing to remember is to cut off all electricity in your house. If water gets to your lines, it will electrocute anything that touches the water. Make sure to turn off your fuse once the water hits your electric storage. These are other things you might need:

First aid kit

Food and lots of water because the water supply will be contaminated by flood water and will not be fit for drinking

Flashlights, extra batteries and power cells

Fire-starter kit

Blankets and warm clothing

Rubber boots/shoes

Cellphone or radio for communication

Medicines

What safety equipment and supplies should I have when I go Camping?

Camping trips are exciting and fun for the family but it might also be dangerous in some situations and locations so you must know what the essentials are before packing up for your camping trip.

What safety equipment and supplies should I have when I'm on the road?

When driving for long distances or travelling for a few hours or even days, you should always have your safety gear with you aside from your clothes and other belongings. Some of these might include the following:

First Aid kit

Flashlights and extra batteries/power cells

Cellphone charger or even an extra phone battery

Water bottle container and water

Small snacks and crackers

A pillow and a light blanket

Prescriptive medicine or maintenance, if any

Nobody can predict the course of nature and the disasters it may bring. All you can do is be prepared and ready for the worlds possible situations that you might be caught up in. These preparations will save your life and the lives of your family members as well. Keep in mind that being prepared ahead of time is always to your advantage and should never be taken for granted.